Liquid helium temperature high-speed optical data link for superconducting computing

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and quantum computing demands advanced data transmission solutions that overcome limitations in traditional copper interconnects, particularly at deep cryogenic temperatures. Oxide-based vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) offer high modulation bandwidth and energy efficiency, making them ideal for cryogenic temperature data link applications. This thesis introduces a high-speed cross-temperature packaging technique for fabricated cryogenic oxide-VCSELs, achieving reliable operation from 300 Kelvin down to 2.6 Kelvin. Integration with single-flux-quantum (SFQ) superconducting processor enables error-free data transmission at 10–20 Gbps, and up to 90 Gbps PAM-4 Cryo-VCSEL optical link demonstrates the potential of future superconducting and quantum computing systems requiring low thermal leakage. Cryo-VCSELs thus emerge as critical components for ultra-low-temperature, high-speed, and energy-efficient data transmission. Future efforts will refine device structures and thermal models to further enhance performance for cross-temperature applications.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Wu, Haonan

Contributors dc:contributor

• Feng, Milton

• Cryogenic Temperature
• Vcsel
• High-speed Optical Data Link

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2024 Haonan Wu

Language dc:language

eng, en

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/127458

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F127458